Which statement best describes CIT training's goal?

• A. A program to accelerate crime scene processing.
• B. A program to increase arrest rates for mental health crises.
• C. A program training officers to recognize and de-escalate encounters with people experiencing mental health crises and link them to resources.
• D. A program to train officers to avoid mental health issues entirely.

Answer: (C)

Crisis Intervention Team training centers on how officers respond when someone is in a mental health crisis. It teaches recognizing signs that a person may be experiencing distress, using de-escalation techniques to reduce danger and tension, and connecting the individual with appropriate treatment and community resources. This approach aims to keep people safe while getting them the help they need, rather than defaulting to punitive measures.

That’s why the statement describing recognizing and de-escalating encounters and linking them to resources best captures the goal. It reflects the emphasis on safe, supportive interaction and connection to services, which is the core purpose of CIT.

The other options miss the point: one is about speeding up crime scene work, which has nothing to do with crisis responses; another pushes for more arrests during mental health crises, contrary to the aim of prioritizing help and de-escalation; and the last suggests avoiding mental health issues altogether, which isn’t feasible and isn’t the training goal.